Bridge Management Information Systems (BMIS) Laboratory

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Research and Development Initiatives

The Bridge Management Information Systems (BMIS) Laboratory primarily utilizes information technology tools including statistical tools, relational databases, data models, geographical information systems, artificial intelligence, software programming, and the Pontis bridge management system to conduct its research. These tools are used to mine new information from disparate datasets to investigate, better understand, model, evaluate and assess factors affecting the condition, reliability and performance of bridges and to analyze the role and impact of bridges within the overall highway system.

Research activities in the BMIS Laboratory vary in nature depending upon FHWA, its partners and stakeholder needs.The types of research activities undertaken in the laboratory can generally be grouped into several categories reflecting the nature of the analysis or investigation.The following categories can be used to summarize research activities conducted by the BMIS Laboratory:

• Data integration, quality assessment and database development
• Data Mining, modeling, prediction and statistical and other mathematical analyses
• Information dissemination and decision-support services
• Policy related analysis and investigation

The BMIS Laboratory hosts an integrated, spatially enabled relational database including more than 24 years of historical National Bridge Inventory data, seismic exposure, climate data (including temperature, freeze-thaw cycles, and rainfall), Highway Performance Monitoring System data, truck traffic data from the Freight Analysis Framework and other datasets. These data were integrated by spatial analysis to provide a platform for advanced research into potential factors affecting highway bridge performance. The laboratory also has selected element level data from more than 29 States. This disparate set of spatially linked information provides a unique platform and knowledge base for investigations into the regional and external factors affecting bridge performance and for conducting cross-cutting advanced research related to bridges as an integrated component in the Nation’s highway system.

Results and findings are communicated through technical reports, publications and presentations, and technology transfer, which sometimes is accomplished through the development of accessible software applications and tools.

For more information about the Bridge Management Information Systems Laboratory research activities or to obtain a copy of research results, please contact:

Page Contact: Dr. Hamid Ghasemi
(202) 493-3042
Hamid.Ghasemi@fhwa.dot.gov

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